2023-09-28 PC APPROVED SIGNED MINUTESSpecial Meeting Minutes
Spokane Valley Planning Commission
Centerplace Regional Event Center
September 28, 2023
I. Planning Commission Chairman Granrath called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. The meeting was
held in person and via ZOOM meetings.
II. The Commissioners and staff stood for the Pledge Of Allegiance.
III. Administrative Assistant Marianne Lemons took attendance, and the following members and staff
were present:
Susan Delucchi Tony Beattie, Senior Deputy City Attorney
Val Dimitrov Chaz Bates, Planning Manager
Karl Gram ath Jerremy Clark, Traffic Engineering Manager
Walt Haneke, absent Greg Baldwin, Development Services Coordinator
Bob McKinley Chad Knodel, IT Manager
Nancy Miller, absent Marianne Lemons, Administrative Assistant
Daniel Wilson
There was consensus from the Planning Commission members to excuse Commissioners
Miller and Haneke.
IV. AGENDA: Commissioner Delucchi moved, and it was seconded to approve the September 28,
2023, agenda as presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was four in favor,
zero against, and the motion passed.
V. MINUTES: Commissioner Wilson moved, and it was seconded, to approve the August 24, 2023,
minutes as presented. There was no discussion. The vote on the motion was four in favor, zero
against, and the motion passed. Chairman Gramath abstained from the vote.
VI. COMMISSION REPORTS: Commissioner Delucchi expressed concern about a house in the
Ridgemont Estates Subdivision that is being listed for sale including two rental opportunities that are
prohibited by the covenants of the subdivision. She suggested that staff create a map showing
subdivisions with covenants and restrictions that prohibit Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU's).
Chairman Granrath reported that he will be working with staff and the Planning Commission to
make the meetings adhere to the Roberts Rules Of Order and keep the meetings respectful and
orderly. There were no other Planning Commission reports.
VII. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT: Planning Manager Chaz Bates reported that the American
Planning Association would be offering a free short course on local planning on October 10"', 2023
from 6:00 p.m. — 8:00 p.m. at the Grand Davenport Hotel in Spokane. He also stated that he will be
working with Chairman Granrath to keep the Planning Commission meetings running smoothly and
respectfully. He also mentioned that the Planning Commission will be reviewing a code text
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amendment to address a discrepancy in the bylaws versus state law regarding the number of times
the Planning Commission is required to meet during the calendar year.
VIII. PUBLIC COMMENT: Barb Howard (Spokane Valley) expressed concern about ADU's within the
City limits and the lack of enforcement keeping them from being created. She also asked about the
status of the code text amendment that was denied by the Planning Commission and the outcome of
it with the City Council. There was no additional public comment offered.
Commissioner McKinley arrived at 6:17 p.m.
Mr. Bates responded to Ms. Howard that the code text amendment went to City Council and they
ratified the decision made by the Planning Commission and therefore, the amendment will not be
moving forward in the process for adoption.
IX. COMMISSION BUSINESS:
a. Study Session: CTA-2023-0003 — ROW Permit & Ceearview Triangle Regulations Update
Traffic Engineering Manager Jerremy Clark gave a staff report. He stated that CTA-2023-0003 is a city -
initiated code text amendment to revise Spokane Valley Municipal Code (SVMC) 22.70.030 to
clarify that the clearview triangle regulations are applicable to an alleyway and revise Chapter
22.130 SVMC to clarify the types of activities that may be exempt from a traffic control right-of-
way permit and other matters related.
Mr. Clark explained that the current language in SVMC 22.70.030 includes a reference to an alley, but Table
22.70-1 with specific sight distance regulations does not include reference to alley. The proposed
amendment adds alleyway to Table 22.70-1 so that the sight distance criteria can be applied
consistent with the text of the code and eliminating any ambiguity.
Mr. Clark stated that the proposed amendments to SVMC Chapter 22.130 are to clarify when an activity
conducted in the right-of-way may be exempt from traffic control requirements. He said that the
current code is not clear when an activity is exempt from traffic control requirements, resulting in
confusion about implementation. The current exemption is for 50% closure of a nonarterial street which
results in road closures happening without City knowledge. The focus of the proposed CTA is to require any
closure of traffic on a street to obtain a right-of-way permit.
Mr. Clark explained that the revisions to SVMC Chapter 22.130 regarding Development Transportation
Improvements includes the following:
• Multiple revisions to "clean up" formatting and code references.
• Renaming 23.130.090 to Temporary Obstruction Permit to provide unique naming.
• Maintain two 10-foot lanes on non -arterials rather than allowing a 50% closure without permitting
• Allow owner or tenant maintenance of landscaping within the ROW
• Allow additional permit extensions upon request
• Specify traffic control training as defined in WAC 296-155-305
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There were no questions from the Planning Commission. Mr. Clark stated that the public hearing will be held
on October 26, 2023 and the Findings and Recommendations will be presented at the November 9, 2023
meeting.
X. GOOD OF THE ORDER:
There was nothing offered for the Good Of The Order. The next meeting will be held on October
12, 2023.
XI. ADJOURNMENT: Commissioner Dimitrov moved, and it was seconded, to adjourn the meeting at
6:30 p.m. The vote on the motion was six in favor, zero against, and the motion passed.
Karl Granrath, Chairman
Marianne Lemons, Secretary
12/1Y123
Date Signed